Tony Sparacino Memorial Scholarship

Help us remember Tony's legacy. Contribute to the Tony Sparacino Memorial Scholarship.

Who was Tony Sparacino?

To all who knew him, Tony was a kind and generous spirit. As one of Sapphire Fund’s early Board members, Tony's passion helped steer a course of philanthropy that supported the Philadelphia LGBTQ and HIV-AIDS communities. Passion like his had real, concrete results: returning hundreds of thousands of dollars to numerous community-based non-profits.

And, importantly, Tony loved Philadelphia. He was one of our urban pioneers – transforming two run down blocks on 13th Street into something special as he relocated his established business – Sparacino Mens – to this gentrifying area.

As if raising money for worthwhile causes or running a business was not enough, Tony started one of Philadelphia’s longest running monthly parties – Lucky Lounge. It was this party that epitomized Tony’s zest for life.

Indeed, to the many people who knew him, Tony's smile, passion, and generosity will be the remembered legacy of a life well lived. As Tony’s partner remarked shortly after Tony’s passing, “One never expects a flame as bright as Tony’s to dim so early. Let’s keep that flame alive.”

Sapphire Fund vows to honor Tony’s legacy with the creation of this scholarship. We’re hopeful that its recipient will shine as brightly: loving this city, loving their art, and being as generous and passionate with their time as Tony was with his.

What is Sapphire Fund?

Sapphire Fund is an all-volunteer, community-based, non-profit that exists to champion the multifaceted needs of Philadelphia area LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS organizations.

We supply resources to local organizations providing HIV/AIDS research, education, prevention and treatment as well as promoting the overall health and well-being of the community through education, events, and advocacy.

Sapphire Fund is among the leading LGBTQ granting agencies in the tri-state region and is extremely proud of the work undertaken by our beneficiaries on behalf of the HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ communities.

Since its inception, the Sapphire Fund has hosted, partnered, or participated in a variety of events and programs and has provided over $210,000 in financial support to many extraordinary organizations.

• Scholarship Amount: $1,000 scholarship awarded annually for educational expenses to include tuition, books and supplies, and/or room and board. Where possible, the scholarship funds will be payable on the student’s behalf directly to the school.
• Important Dates:
• Application Deadline: May 30, 2008
• Announcement: June 2008
• Check Presentation / Scholarship Awarded: August 2008

• Award criteria are based on the academic credentials, answers to application questions, community service involvement, a potential individual interview, financial need and future goals.
  
• You must send (i) the completed application form and (ii) TWO letters of recommendation from professional, extracurricular, or academic sources.

• All applications must be complete for consideration.
  
• Eligible Recipient: (1) A self-identified LGBTQ student, or student supportive of the LGBTQ community; (2) currently enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in Philadelphia; and (3) seeking a degree in an art program/major. For purposes of this award, art program includes: art history or related study, visual arts, fashion design, music, media arts, theatre or dance.  
  
• Geographic Limitations: Available to a student attending an accredited university or college in the City of Philadelphia.
  
• Community Service: Applicants involved in LGBTQ organizations and/or seeking to improve the Philadelphia region through community service are especially encouraged to apply and significant consideration will be given to such service.

Scholarship Application

2008 Application Process Closed.
Look in the coming months for the 2009 application.